Small ROC flags allowed at Olympic venues: Taiwan officials

2012/08/09 12:48:47

London, Aug. 8 (CNA) Taiwan has reached an understanding with the U.K. government to allow spectators to bring small Republic of China flags into the venues of the 2012 Olympic Games in London, Taiwanese officials said Wednesday.

Large national flags, however, are still forbidden until changes are made to the model under which Taiwan participates in international sporting events, according to the officials at Taiwan's representative office in the U.K.

Due to Beijing's opposition, Taiwan has competed in the Olympics and other international sporting events since the early 1980s under the official moniker "Chinese Taipei," and uses the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee flag in place of its national flag.

Some Taiwanese spectators reportedly attempted to wave large ROC flags to cheer on the country's taekwondo athletes Yang Shu-chun and Wei Chen-yang during that day's matches, but were stopped by games staff.